Rehabilitation Garment

ABSTRACT

A preferred embodiment of the invention is based on a rehabilitation garment allowing a user to take cold or heat therapy while performing other tasks. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a rehabilitation garment comprises a single layer of material made of a stretchable material. The stretchable material covers a user&#39;s body, and has inserts for temperature control elements. The temperature control elements are placed over areas of the body needing rehabilitation. In one embodiment, the stretchable material is an insulating material. In other embodiment, the stretchable material is a thin breathable material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention refers to a rehabilitation garment and method. An embodiment of the present invention discloses a rehabilitation garment comprising a single layer of stretchable material. The stretchable material covers a user's body and has attachments for temperature control elements. The temperature control elements are placed over areas of the body needing rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND

Hydrotherapy is an approach in occupational therapy and physiotherapy that involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. A primary advantage of hydrotherapy is based on the physical properties of water, such as temperature and pressure. Generally, hydrotherapy is widely used in rehabilitation, especially with athletes.

In sport therapy and rehabilitation, an ice bath (cold-water immersion or cold therapy) is a training regiment usually following a period of intense exercise in which a substantial part of a person's body is immersed in a bath of ice or ice water for a limited duration. Generally, an ice bath is performed by standing or sitting in a large bucket or bath of icy water for a period of time, stepping out of the water, and repeating the process multiple times.

There are at least several problems and disadvantages associated with ice baths. First, many studies suggest that ice baths may in fact be harmful for the body by putting athletes at risk for hypothermia, frostbite, shock, heart problems, and other ailments. Most studies suggest that the ideal temperature for cooling aching muscles is a cold bath between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. A second problem with ice baths is the amount of time athletes must spend inside the tub. During this period, athletes are immobile while inside the bath. This immobility causes many athletes to forego rehabilitation altogether or decrease the amount of time spent in therapy.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from an ice bath is heat therapy (thermotherapy). Heat therapy is based on the application of heat to the body for pain relief and health benefits. It can take the form of a hot cloth, hot water, heating pad, whirlpool bath, and many others. Heat therapy has been shown to be effective for those suffering from arthritis, stiff muscles, and injuries to the deep tissue of the skin. Additionally, heat therapy is commonly used for rehabilitation purposes, especially for athletes.

Studies show that heat therapy has many therapeutic benefits. However, heat therapy sessions generally immobilize the user during therapy. For example, a team trainer may advise an athlete to sit in the whirlpool for two thirty minutes sessions after a game. The treatment would undoubtedly benefit the player, but it may be difficult or impractical for the player to remain in the whirlpool for the full time. In lieu of the whirlpool, a player may take a warm towel or heating pad to place on specific areas of the body, but this localized therapy does little to rehabilitate the unheated areas of the body.

Therefore, a major problem that exists in the art is the requirement for athletes and others needing rehabilitation to remain immobile for long periods of time while receiving ice baths or heat treatments. Another problem that exists in the art is the absence of a device allowing a user to take cold or heat therapy while performing other tasks, such as walking.

SUMMARY

A preferred embodiment of the invention is based on a rehabilitation garment allowing a user to take cold or heat therapy while performing other tasks. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a rehabilitation garment comprises a single layer made of a stretchable material. The stretchable material covers a user's body and has attachments for temperature control elements. The temperature control elements are placed over areas of the body needing rehabilitation. In one embodiment, the stretchable material is an insulating material. In other embodiment, the stretchable material is a thin breathable material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 3 is a back view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 6 is a back view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 8 is a back view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 10 is a back view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 12 is a back view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a rehabilitation garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above, this Detailed Description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components.

The term “temperature control element” is a heating or cooling device capable of heating or cooling a user's body. A temperature control element can come in many forms, so long as it is capable of being heated or cooled. Additionally, a temperature control element may include bendable ice packs, moldable gel packs, and custom sized packs for heating and cooling.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

As illustrated in the figures, disclosed herein are rehabilitation garments and methods of use. FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the zippered full body rehabilitation garment 100 comprises a single layer of material made of a stretchable insulating material. In a preferred embodiment, the stretchable insulating material is synthetic rubber. Preferably, the stretchable insulating material is neoprene. The stretchable insulating material covers portions of a user's body and comprises attachments for temperature control elements. In a preferred embodiment the attachments are pockets. It is understood that versions of the invention cover other attachment means, including, but not limited to, buttons, snaps, Velcro, clasps, and ties. It is further understood that the pockets come in different forms in different versions of the invention. In one embodiment, the pockets comprise an insulating material. Preferably, the insulating material is neoprene. In another version, the pockets comprise a thin breathable material. Preferably, the thin breathable material is an elastic synthetic material such as spandex, elastane, or lycra. It is understood that versions of the invention may come in many forms comprising stretchable elastic material, both natural and synthetic.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the temperature control elements are shaped to cover specific muscles and areas needing rehabilitation. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the temperature control elements attach to the single layer of material over specific muscles. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the temperature control elements comprise, but are not limited to, the following insert placements: neck 20, pectoral 21, upper arm 22, lower arm 23, abdominal 24, wrist 25, upper leg 26, lower leg 27, knee 28, ankle 29, shoulders 30, back 31, elbow 32, and buttocks 33. In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the temperature control elements and attachments are contoured and shaped such that the temperature control element is not directly over the heart. In another embodiment, the temperature control element and attachments are contoured and shaped such that the temperature control element is directly over the heart.

As show in FIG. 1, in an embodiment of a version of the invention, a rehabilitation garment further comprises the attachments for the temperature control elements are internal pockets positioned on the interior of the stretchable insulating material. In one embodiment, the internal pockets are positioned over muscle groups needing rehabilitation. These muscle groups may comprise, but are not limited to, the neck 20, pectoral 21, upper arm 22, lower arm 23, abdominal 24, wrist 25, upper leg 26, lower leg 27, knee 28, ankle 29, shoulders 30, back 31, elbow 32, and buttocks 33. In a preferred embodiment, the internal pockets receive a temperature control element. The temperature control element may be heated or cooled for both hot and cold therapy applications. Alternatively, separate heating and cooling temperature elements may be used.

Yet another embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a rehabilitation garment having permanent attachments for the temperature control elements. The permanent attachments secure the temperature control elements to the interior of the stretchable insulating fabric. The temperature control elements are permanently attached over muscle groups needing rehabilitation. In a preferred embodiment, the permanent attachments comprise the temperature control elements being sealed into a pocket. In one embodiment, the temperature control element is permanently sewn into a pocket.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, in one embodiment the rehabilitation garment is a full body garment. The invention is embodied in different versions of the full body rehabilitation garment. In one embodiment, the full body rehabilitation garment is made of a synthetic rubber 100. In yet another embodiment, as in FIG. 4, the full body rehabilitation garment is made of a thin, stretchable material 101. As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, a version of the invention also comprises a rehabilitation garment being separated into upper and lower body portions. As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, one version of the invention comprises a rehabilitation garment comprising upper body 102 and lower body 103 sections. The upper body 102 and lower body 103 sections can be worn together or separately. Additionally, the upper body 102 and lower body 103 sections can come in different forms. For example, the lower body 103 section may come in shorts form only. Similarly, the upper body 102 section may come in a short sleeve version.

As shown in FIG. 7, a version of an upper body rehabilitation garment comprises, but is not limited to, a single layer of stretchable material having insert areas for temperature control elements. These insert areas are comprised of, but are not limited to, the neck 20, pectoral 21, upper arm 22, lower arm 23, abdominal 24, wrist 25, upper leg 26, lower leg 27, knee 28, ankle 29, shoulders 30, back 31, elbow 32, and buttocks 33. Preferably, the stretchable material is neoprene. In an alternate embodiment, the upper body rehabilitation garment is comprised of a thin stretchable material. In a preferred embodiment, the thin stretchable material is an elastic synthetic material such as spandex, elastane, or lycra. It is understood that versions of the invention may come in many forms comprising stretchable elastic material, both natural and synthetic.

In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the stretchable material comprises a zipper 60 to assist the user in donning the garment. As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in a preferred embodiment, the upper body rehab garment 102 comprises, but is not limited to, temperature control inserts over the neck 20, shoulders 30, pectorals 21, upper arms 22, abdominals 24, lower arm 23, wrist 25, back 31, and elbows 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the lower body rehabilitation garment 103 comprises, but is not limited to, a single layer of stretchable insulating material having insert areas for temperature control elements. Preferably, the stretchable insulating material is neoprene. In an alternate embodiment, the upper body rehabilitation garment is comprised of a thin stretchable material. In a preferred embodiment, the thin stretchable material is an elastic synthetic material such as spandex, elastane, or lycra. It is understood that versions of the invention may come in many forms comprising stretchable elastic material, both natural and synthetic. As illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in a preferred embodiment, the lower body rehab garment 103 comprises, but is not limited to, temperature control inserts over the upper leg 26, lower leg 27, knee 28, ankle 29, and buttocks 33.

In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, versions of the rehabilitation garment and garments comprise a zipper 60. It is understood that versions of the present invention comprise other attachments as well. These other attachment include, but are not limited to, buttons, snaps, Velcro, clasps, and ties. Nevertheless, some versions of the present invention do not comprise a zipper, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a rehabilitation garment having a single layer of synthetic rubber material with attachments for temperature control elements. The attachments for temperature control elements are internal pockets positioned on the interior of the stretchable insulating material. The internal pockets correspond to and are positioned over muscle groups needing rehabilitation. In a preferred embodiment, the internal pockets are made of a single piece of material attached directly to the outer insulating material. In one embodiment, the pockets are comprised of an insulating material. In an alternate embodiment, the pockets are comprised of a thin breathable material. The muscle groups over which the temperature control elements are attached may comprise, but are not limited to, the neck 20, pectoral 21, upper arm 22, lower arm 23, abdominal 24, wrist 25, upper leg 26, lower leg 27, knee 28, ankle 29, shoulders 30, back 31, elbow 32, and buttocks 33. The internal pockets receive a temperature control element.

One version of the rehabilitation garment comprises the attachments for temperature control elements being permanent attachments. In one version of the invention, the permanent attachments secure the temperature control elements to the interior of the stretchable insulating fabric over muscle groups needing rehabilitation. These muscle groups may comprise at least one of, but are not limited to, the neck 20, pectoral 21, upper arm 22, lower arm 23, abdominal 24, wrist 25, upper leg 26, lower leg 27, knee 28, ankle 29, shoulders 30, back 31, elbow 32, and buttocks 33.

Versions of the present invention may come in many forms. In a preferred embodiment, the rehabilitation garment is a full body garment. In yet another version of the invention, the rehabilitation garment has separate upper and lower body sections.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a rehabilitation garment 101 having a thin compression garment with a single layer of thin stretchable material capable of compressing to the body. In one embodiment, the single layer of thin stretchable material is moldable to the body, breathable, and fast drying. Preferably, the single layer of thin stretchable material is an elastic synthetic material such as spandex, elastane, or lycra. It is understood that versions of the invention may come in many forms comprising stretchable elastic material, both natural and synthetic. The single layer of thin stretchable material comprises attachments for temperature control elements. In a preferred embodiment, the attachments are internal pockets made of a single piece of material attached directly to the outer material. In one embodiment, the pockets are comprised of an insulating material. In an alternate embodiment, the pockets are comprised of a thin breathable material. The temperature control elements are attached over areas of the body needing rehabilitation. Said areas comprising, but not limited to, the neck 20, pectoral 21, upper arm 22, lower arm 23, abdominal 24, wrist 25, upper leg 26, lower leg 27, knee 28, ankle 29, shoulders 30, back 31, elbow 32, and buttocks 33.

One embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a thin compression garment, as described herein, along with a single layer stretchable insulating material. Preferably, the single layer of thin stretchable material is an elastic synthetic material such as spandex, elastane, or lycra. It is understood that versions of the invention may come in many forms comprising stretchable elastic material, both natural and synthetic. In a preferred embodiment, the stretchable insulating material covers the thin compression garment. Preferably, the stretchable insulating material is neoprene.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a version of the invention comprises a thin stretchable rehabilitation garment having attachments for temperature control elements. The attachments are positioned over muscle groups needing rehabilitation. In one version of the invention, the attachment for temperature control elements is a permanent attachment. In a preferred embodiment, the permanent attachments comprise the temperature control elements being sealed into a pocket. In one embodiment, the temperature control element is permanently sewn into a pocket. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the attachments for temperature control elements are pockets and the temperature control elements are removable.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, an embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a rehabilitation garment for rehabilitating the foot 105. The foot rehabilitation garment 105 comprises, a single layer stretchable material covering portions of the foot. The single layer stretchable material comprises attachments for receiving temperature control elements. The temperature control elements are positioned over areas of the foot needing rehabilitation. As illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a foot rehabilitation garment may comprise temperature control elements on the top of the foot 51, at the toes 52, at the heel 53, at the arch 51, and the ball 55 of the foot. In another embodiment, the foot rehabilitation garment may include only one temperature control element covering the majority of the foot section. It is understood that versions of the foot rehabilitation garment may cover the feet, ankles, upper ankles, and calves. It is further understood that versions of the rehabilitation garment may cover one or more of the areas comprising the feet, ankles, upper ankles, and calves. In it understood that different versions of the invention will have different temperature control element placements.

It is understood that versions of the invention come in different embodiments for different rehabilitation purposes. In one embodiment of a version of the invention, a rehabilitation garment is in the form of gloves. The gloves have attachments for inserting temperature control elements. In other embodiment of a version of the invention, a rehabilitation garment is in the form of a garment covering the shoulders. The garment covering the shoulders has attachments for inserting temperature control elements. In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, a rehabilitation garment is in the form of a pack capable of being secured to the neck. Similarly, a separate embodiment of the rehabilitation garment comprises a pack capable of being secured to the ankles or wrists. The packs for the neck, wrists, and ankles are capable of receiving temperature control elements.

Embodiments of the present invention further comprise methods of using different embodiments of the rehabilitation garment. In one embodiment, a method of rehabilitation comprises placing temperature control elements proximate to body parts needing rehabilitation, securing the temperature control elements near the body parts needing rehabilitation, and wearing an insulating material as an outer layer to maintain a proper temperature near the body parts needing rehabilitation.

In yet another embodiment, a method of rehabilitation comprises using a garment having inserts for attaching temperature control elements, placing temperature control elements in the insert areas of the garment proximate to body parts needing rehabilitation, and wearing an insulating material as an outer layer to maintain a proper temperature near the body parts needing rehabilitation.

In one embodiment, the insulating material is synthetic rubber. In a preferred embodiment, the insulating material is neoprene.

The rehabilitation garments and methods disclosed herein have many advantages over currently used rehabilitation devices and methods. These listed illustrate a small number of those advantages. The rehabilitation garments and methods of the invention disclosed herein allow the user to adjust the temperature to the user's exact needs. If needed, a user can apply cold therapy in one section of the body while simultaneously applying hot therapy on another section. Similarly, embodiments of the invention allow a user to target only specific areas of the body.

Another advantage is the mobility of the present invention. Unlike with traditional ice bath and whirlpool methods, those using a version of the rehabilitation garment invention set forth herein may receive rehabilitation while performing other tasks such as walking, driving, and others. Additionally, versions of the rehabilitation garment invention have further advantages over whirlpools and ice baths in that the rehabilitation garments provide compression and pressure as well as heat and cold therapy.

Other advantages of versions of the rehabilitation garment are based on ease of use and time efficiency for the end user. Using versions of the current invention, a user may receive immediate treatment because the rehabilitation garments are easy to put on and take off. This is compared to the long process of drawing a cold bath, adding ice, and waiting for the proper temperature, or the expense of keeping a whirlpool heated at all times. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rehabilitation garment comprising, a single layer of material, the single layer of material being a stretchable material, the stretchable material covering a portion of a user's body, the stretchable material having attachments for temperature control elements, the temperature control elements being shaped to cover specific muscles, the temperature control elements attaching to the single layer of material over specific muscles.
 2. A rehabilitation garment as in (1), further comprising: the attachments for the temperature control elements are internal pockets positioned on the interior of the stretchable insulating material, the internal pockets being positioned over muscle groups needing rehabilitation, the internal pockets receiving a temperature control element.
 3. A rehabilitation garment as in (1), further comprising: the attachments for temperature control elements is a permanent attachment, the permanent attachment securing the temperature control elements to the interior of the stretchable insulating fabric, the temperature control elements being permanently attached over muscle groups needing rehabilitation.
 4. A rehabilitation garment as in claim (1), further comprising the rehabilitation garment is a full body garment.
 5. A rehabilitation garment as in claim (1), further comprising the rehabilitation garment comprises an upper body piece and a lower body piece.
 6. A rehabilitation garment as in claim (1), further comprising the garment has a zipper.
 7. A rehabilitation garment comprising, a single layer of a synthetic rubber material, the single layer of synthetic rubber material being a stretchable insulating material, the stretchable insulating material covering portions of a user's body, the stretchable insulating material having attachments for attaching temperature control elements, the temperature control elements being placed over areas of the body needing rehabilitation.
 8. A rehabilitation garment as in (7), further comprising the single layer of synthetic rubber material is neoprene.
 9. A rehabilitation garment as in (7), further comprising: the single layer of synthetic rubber material comprises attachments for temperature control elements, the attachments for temperature control elements are internal pockets positioned on the interior of the stretchable insulating material, the internal pockets being positioned over muscle groups needing rehabilitation, the internal pockets receiving a temperature control element.
 10. A rehabilitation garment as in (7), further comprising: the attachments for temperature control elements are permanent attachments, the permanent attachments securing the temperature control elements to the interior of the stretchable insulating fabric, the temperature control elements being permanently attached over muscle groups needing rehabilitation.
 11. A rehabilitation garment as in claim (7), further comprising the rehabilitation garment is a full body garment.
 12. A rehabilitation garment as in claim (7), further comprising the rehabilitation garment comprises an upper body piece and a lower body piece.
 13. A rehabilitation garment as in claim (7), further comprising the garment has a zipper for entry into garment.
 14. A rehabilitation garment comprising, a thin compression garment, further comprising, a single layer of thin stretchable material capable of compressing to the body. the single layer of thin stretchable material having attachments for temperature control elements, the temperature control elements being attached over areas of the body needing rehabilitation, and an insulating garment, comprising, a single layer of material, the single layer of material being a stretchable insulating material, the stretchable insulating material covering portions of a user's body.
 15. The rehabilitation garment of claim 14, further comprising: the attachments for temperature control elements are internal pockets secured to the thin stretchable material, the internal pockets being positioned over muscle groups needing rehabilitation, the internal pockets receiving a temperature control element.
 16. A rehabilitation garment as in 14, further comprising: the attachment for temperature control elements is a permanent attachment, the permanent attachment securing the temperature control elements to the interior of the stretchable insulating fabric, the temperature control elements being permanently attached over muscle groups needing rehabilitation.
 17. The rehabilitation garment of claim 14, further comprising, the single layer of thin stretchable material is an elastic synthetic material.
 18. The rehabilitation garment of claim 14, further comprising the stretchable insulating material is synthetic rubber.
 19. The rehabilitation garment of claim 1, further comprising, the single layer of material covering portions of a user's foot, the single layer of material being a stretchable material having internal pockets for receiving at least one temperature control element, the temperature control elements being positioned over areas of the foot needing rehabilitation.
 20. A method of rehabilitation comprising: using a garment having inserts for attaching temperature control elements placing temperature control elements in the insert areas of the garment proximate to body parts needing rehabilitation, wearing an insulating material as an outer layer to maintain a proper temperature near the body parts needing rehabilitation.
 21. A method of rehabilitation as in 20, further comprising the insulating material is synthetic rubber.
 22. A method of rehabilitation as in 20, further comprising the insulating material is neoprene. 